3:30pm Thursday 4th March 2010
By Bruce Talbot
SUSSEX coach Mark Robinson has revealed how Ed Joyce recommended new fast bowler Craig Young to the county.
The 19-year-old from Ireland has been given a one-year Academy Plus contract after impressing in a pre-season training camp in Dubai.
He will join up with the squad at various times throughout the season and play second-team cricket as Sussex put together a group of young fast bowlers with one eye on the future.
Robinson said: “Our Academy coach Keith Greenfield took him to Dubai and was very impressed but we have also heard good reports from Ed Joyce and the Guernsey cricket board, who we already have good ties with.
“He took 5-22 against Guernsey in the European under-19 Championships last year and we have been monitoring him since then.
“He’s a good age and part of a group of young bowlers we are trying to develop.
“Because we are a county with the sea on one side and two other big counties next to us we have to spread our net far and wide.”
Young played in the recent under-19 World Cup for Ireland and took nine wickets at an average of 18.44 including 4-14 against Zimbabwe.
Young, who plays for Bready CC in Co. Tyrone, said: “I got the news I was being offered a contract following my time with Sussex in Dubai.
“I’m delighted and hopefully it will work out for me. I will be coming over shortly and then will be back depending on my commitments in Ireland.”
Young could even face Sussex in June when the county’s second team play Ireland A in a friendly.
Greenfield said: “We’ll see him in six blocks throughout the summer. This will help his cricket and will act as a stepping stone to attaining a professional contract.”
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